TJ shuts-out Gateway for first ever Central Metro League Title.
by Jake Hazan
photo by Rebecca Holt
Thursday Night Football usually only takes place in the college and professional realms, but last night was the evening in which the TJ football squad was scheduled to take on the Gateway Olympians in a game of historical proportions. The Spartans defeated the Olympians in a dominating fashion, 17-0. The victory secured the first ever Central Metro League Division Title for the Spartans, who succeeded in notching their first shut-out of the season.
The first quarter ended in a stalemate as both teams illustrated staunch defense, and both offenses committed several turnovers in the quarter.
The second quarter proved to be more of the same until Junior Receiver Billy Sprague made a miraculous one-handed catch, hurdled over an Olympian defender, and bullied his way to the end zone for a 44-yard touchdown. After a successful Keenan Moore extra point, the Spartans were ahead 7-0 with just over three minutes left in the half.
TJ got the ball back in their offense’s hands yet again with less than two minutes remaining in the half, and executed once more with another Sprague touchdown pass from Quarterback Clarence Graham, this one from 50-yards out.
With this late surge from the Spartan offense, the half ended with a score of 14-0 in favor of TJ. They would never look back.
The only scoring that occurred in the second half was a 22-yard field goal from Moore in the third quarter. The defense continued their tenacious play, resulting in a scoreless game for Gateway.
The TJ secondary also made their mark Thursday night, intercepting Olympian Quarterback Jack White three times. Michael Craig, Efrem Woldu, and Shane Oliver each had an interception on the night.
Matt Averyhart continued his strong play this season, running the ball 34 times for 114-yards. Averyhart looked strong and showed his durability, as well as his capability of gaining yards after initial contact, and assisted the Spartan offense in managing the clock with his consistent gains. Averyhart is now the Spartans’ leading rusher with 610-yards on the season.
The Spartans now look ahead to their highly anticipated match-up again the East Angels. TJ beat East twice last year, including a 34-3 whooping in the playoffs. Look for East to come out looking for revenge, but if the Spartans can continue their successful running game and shut-down defense, TJ will have a great chance of besting the Angels. The TJ-East game will take place on Friday, October 24, at 7pm at All City Stadium.
